GlossaryofMusicalTerms

Inmymusicstudies,Ihaveoftenfounditfrustratingnotknowingthemeaning
ofallthewordsonthepage.Manycomposersmakeveryspecificindications,
andseldomarethoseindicationsinEnglish.Whatfollowsisafairlylonglist
of musical definitions and descriptions gleaned primarily from multiple
Internet searches (utilizing available translation services). I also used a few
booksources,mostlyforpurposesofcorroboration.

A vast majority of this glossary relates most directly to trumpet and brass
literature. These are words and phrases which I have found in solo and
orchestralliterature,aswellasinetudebooksandothermusictexts.Thoughit
isgearedtowardstrumpetplayers,Ibelieveitmightbeusefultoanymusician.
Please note that, while this listing has in excess of 1,200 entries, it is by no
meansanexhaustivelist.

Any serious student of music should own a copy of the Harvard Dictionary of Music
(Belknap Press of the Harvard University Press). This book goes far beyond being just a
simpleglossaryofterms.Itisreallyanencyclopedia,encompassingawiderangeofmusical
topics, and I find it interesting just to read a few articles once in a while. Beyond the
dictionaryentries,therearearticlesonimportantcomposersandimportantindividualpieces,
entries on widely varying musical styles, music theory and general music history. The
information is very wellresearched and each entry morethanadequately covers themajor
aspects of each topic. The book is available in many places and currently sells for
approximately$40.00.

TableofContents

AAngosciosamente 1
ngstlichBMI 2
BolConsordina 3
CorEn 4
EndehorsFort 5
ForteGrandezza 6
GrandiosoLePomedelextase 7
LeSacreduPrintempsMelancolico 8
MenoOktett 9
OmaggioPp 10
PrcdenteSanft 11
SansSlargando 12
SlentandoTaktmesser 13
TaktstrichUnis. 14
UnisonZunge 15
Appendices
PitchNames AppendixA
Clef AppendixB
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
A[It.]:Articlemeaningto,at,for,in,inthestyleof,
per.
[Fr.]:Articlemeaningto,at,for,in,inthestyleof,
per.
Abeneplacito[It.]:Attheperformerspleasure.
Acapella[It.]:Performedwithoutinstrumental
accompaniment.
Adue[It.]:(ora2)Intendedasaduet;fortwovoices
orinstruments.
la[Fr.]:Tothe,atthe;orinthemannerof.
Apiacere[It.]:Attheperfomerspleasure.
Atempo[It.]:Returntooriginaltempoaftersome
deviationfromit.
volont[Fr.]:Attheperformerspleasure.
a2[It.]:(oradue)Intendedasaduet;fortwovoices
orinstruments.
Ab[Ger.]:Off,aswithamute.
Abandonn[Fr.]:Withabandon,withoutrestraint.
Abbandonatamente[It.]:Withabandon,without
restraint.
Abbellimento[It.]:Ornament.
Aber[It.]:But.
Abnehmend[Ger.]:(dim.)Decreasinginvolume.
Absetzen[Ger.]:Seperated,articulated.
Abtossen[Ger.]:Detached.
Accarezzvole[It.]:Expressiveandcaring;sweetly.
Accelerando[It.]:(accel.)Becomingfaster;faster.
Accelerato[It.]:(accel.)Becomingfaster;faster.
Accentato[It.]:Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Accompagnato[It.]:Accompanied.
Accus[Fr.]:Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Adlibitum[Lat.]:Attheperformerspleasure;
sometimesmeansapassagemaybeomitted.
Adagietto[It.]:Slightlyfastertempothanadagio;
slowtempo,butlesssomberthanadagio.
Adagio[It.]:Slowtempo.
Adagissimo[It.]:Extremelyslowtempo.
Addolorato[It.]:Pained,afflicted.
Affabile[It.]:Affable,pleasant.
Affannato[It.]:Anguished.
Affannoso[It.]:Anguished.
Affectueusement[Fr.]:Affectionate.
Affettuoso[It.]:(alsoAffetuosamente)Affectionate.
Affretanrdo[It.]:Hurrying.
Agevole[It.]:Easy,unrestricted.
Aggradevole[It.]:Pleasing.
Agiatamente[It.]:Sedate,withease.
Agiato[It.]:Sedate,withease.
Agile[It.]:Agile.
Agilmente[It.]:Agile.
Agitato[It.]:Agitated.
page1
Agit[Fr.]:Agitated.
hnlich[Ger.]:Similar,alike.
Airietta[It.]:Ashortaria.
Ais[Fr.]:Withease.
Al[It.]:Tothe,atthe;orinthemannerof.
Al[It.]:Tothe,atthe.
Alla[It.]:Tothe,atthe;inthemannerof.
Allabreve[It.]:Atthebreve;cuttime.
Allant[Fr.]:Going,stirring,continuing;andante.
Allargando[It.]:Broadening,becomingslower;
sometimesaccompaniedwithincreasedvolume.
Alle[Ger.]:All.
Allemenschenmuessensterben[Ger.]:Allpeople
mustdie;BachchoralereferenceinHindemiths
SonataforTrumpetandPiano.
Allegramente[It.]:Merry,lively;fast.
Allegretto[It.]:Slightlyslowerthanallegro.
Allegrissimo[It.]:Veryfast,butslightlyslowerthan
Presto.
Allegro[It.]:(allo)Merry,lively;fast.
Allein[Ger.]:Alone.
Allentamente[It.]:Slowingdown.
Allentando[It.]:Slowingdown.
Allmhlich[Ger.]:Gradually,littlebylittle.
Als[Ger.]:Than.
AlsosprachZarathustra[Ger.]:ThusSpake
Zarathustra;majororchestralwork(tonepoem)
byRichardStrauss,inspiredbythebookofthe
samenamebyFriedrichNietzsche.
Altissimo[It.]:Veryhigh.
Alto[It.]:High;usuallyreferstoaparticularvoice
part,higherthantenor,butlowerthansoprano.
Am[Ger.]:Atthe,atthat.
Amabile[It.]:Amiable,likeable.
Amarevole[It.]:Bitterorbitterly.
Amaro[It.]:Bitterorbitterly.
Amore[It.]:Love,lovingly.
Amorevole[It.]:Love,lovingly.
Amoroso[It.]:Love,lovingly.
Anacrusis[Lat.]:Anoteorgroupofnoteswhich
precedethefirstfullmeasure;slsoknownasa
pickupnote.
Ancora[It.]:Still,more.
Andacht[Ger.]:Devotion,devoutly.
Andchtig[Ger.]:Devotion,devoutly.
Andante[It.]:Walking;moderatelyslow.
Andantino[It.]:Slightlyfasterthanandante.
Anfang[Ger.]:Beginning.
Angenehm[Ger.]:Pleasant,pleasantly.
Anglaise[Fr.]:English.
Angosciosamente[It.]:Anguished.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
ngstlich[It.]:Anxious,anxiously.
Animando[It.]:Animating,becominganimated,
animated;indicatesspeedingup.
Animandosi[It.]:Animating,becominganimated,
animated;indicatesspeedingup.
Animato[It.]:Animating,becominganimated,
animated;indicatesspeedingup.
Animato[It.]:Animated,lively.
Anim[Fr.]:Animated;moderatelyfasttempo.
Animez[Fr.]:Animate,bringtolife.
Animo[It.]:Spirit,spirited.
Animoso[It.]:Spirit,spirited.
Anmutig[Ger.]:Graceful,gracefully.
Anschwellend[Ger.]:Increasinginvolume,louder.
Anwachsend[Ger.]:Growing,swelling,increasing.
Apais[Fr.]:Calm,calmed.
Appasionato[It.]:Impassioned.
Appena[It.]:Scarcely.
Appoggiatora[It.]:Adisonantpitchonastronger
beatresolvingupordowntoaconsonantpitch
onaweakerbeat.
Appuy[Fr.]:Accented,accentuated.
Ardimente[It.]:Boldly.
Ardito[It.]:Boldly.
Aria[It.]:Air;anexpressivesong,usuallyperformed
byasinger.
Arioso[It.]:Airy,likeanair;melodious;inthe
mannerofanaria.
Armonioso[It.]:Harmoniously.
Arpeggio[It.]:Toplayontheharp;abrokenchord
wherethenotesareplayedorsunginsequence
(asaharp),oneaftertheother,ratherthan
simultaneouslyasachord.
Arriver[Fr.]:Arrive.
ASCAP:AbbreviatedforAmericanSocietyof
Composers,AuthorsandPublishers.
Assai[It.]:Much,verymuch.
Assez[It.]:Sufficiently,rather.
Atem[Ger.]:Breath.
Atempause[Ger.]:Breathingpause.
Attacca[It.]:Attack,attackimmediately;movetothe
nextmovementimmediately.
Attaccasubito[It.]:Attacksuddenly,attack
immediately;movetothenextmovement
immediately.
Auf[Ger.]:Up.
Aufgeregt[Ger.]:Excited,energetic.
Ausdruck[Ger.]:Expression.
Ausdrucksvoll[Ger.]:Expression;expressively.
Aushalten[Ger.]:Tosustain,hold.
usserst[Ger.]:Extremely,much,very.
page2
Avec[Fr.]:With,togetherwith.
Avoir[Fr.]:Own,have.
Barbaro[It.]:Barbarous;barbaric.
Barcarola[It.]:Song,oftenin6/8or12/8time,
originatinginVenice,Italy.
Barcarole[En.]:Song,oftenin6/8or12/8time,
originatinginVenice,Italy.
Barcarolle[Fr.]:Song,oftenin6/8or12/8time,
originatinginVenice,Italy.
Bass[En.]:Thelowestofthefourstandardvoice
ranges(soprano,alto,tenor,bass);thelowest
melodiclineinamusicalcomposition,
defininingandsupportingtheharmony.
Basso[It.]:Low,bass;thelowestofthefour
standardvoiceranges(soprano,alto,tenor,
bass);thelowestmelodiclineinamusical
composition,defininingandsupportingthe
harmony.
Bassocontinuo[It.]:Continuousbass;basspart
playedthroughoutapiecetodefiningand
supportingharmonicstructure,usedprimarily
inmusicoftheBaroqueperiod.
Bedchtig[Ger.]:Deliberate,slow.
Behende[Ger.]:Agile,quick.
Beklemmt[Ger.]:Anxious,oppressed.
Belebend[Ger.]:Lively,animated.
Belebt[Ger.]:Lively,animated.
Bellicoso[It.]:Bellicose,pugnacious;warlikein
manner.
Ben[It.]:Well.
Bene[It.]:Well.
Beruhigend[Ger.]:Calm,calming.
Beruhigt[Ger.]:Calm,calming.
Beschleunigend[Ger.]:Speedingup.
Beschleunigt[Ger.]:Speedingup.
Bestimmt[Ger.]:Decisive,decisively.
Betont[Ger.]:Accented,stressed.
Beweglich[Ger.]:Nimble,nimbly,agile.
Bewegt[Ger.]:Agitated.
Bien[Fr.]:Fine,good,well.
Binary[Lat.]:Consistingoftwoparts;inmusic,a
formconsistingoftwoparts:AB.
Bis[Lat.]:Twice;repeattherelevantactionof
passage.
Blasinstrument[Ger.]:Windinstrument.
Blasmusik[Ger.]:Musicforwindinstruments.
Blech[Ger.]:Brassinstruments.
Blechinstrumente[Ger.]:Brassinstruments.
Blechmusik[Ger.]:Musicforbrassinstruments.
BMI:AbbreviationforBroadcastMusic
Incorporated.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Bol[Fr.]:Bowl;oftenreferstocupmute.
Bolero[Sp.]:Dancein3/4time,originatinginSpain.
Bon[Fr.]:Good,fair,fine.
Bravura[It.]:Skill,bravery;virtuosticdisplay.
Breit[Ger.]:Broad.
Breve[Lat.]:Short.
Brevis[Lat.]:Short.
Brillante[It.]:Brilliant.
Brilliante[It.]:Brilliant.
Brio[It.]:Vivacious,spirited.
Brioso[It.]:Vivacious,spirited.
Buccina[Lat.]:ARomantrumpetorhorn;straight
trumpet.
Bgelhorn[Ger.]:Bugle.
Bugle[Fr.]:Flugelhorn.
Buisine[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
Busine[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
Buysine[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
Buzanne[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
Buzine[Fr.]:Amedievalmilitarytrumpet.
BWV[Ger.]:(BachWerkeVerzeichnis)Athematic
catalogoftheworksofJ.S.Bach.
Cadence[Fr.]:Cadence,rhythm.
Cadenza[It.]:Asolosection,usuallyinaconcertoor
similarwork,usedtodisplaytheperformers
technique.
Caesura[It.]:Pause.
Calando[It.]:Decreasinginloudnessandusuallyin
tempo.
Calmando[It.]:Calm,calming;becomingquiet.
Calmato[It.]:Calm,calming;becomingquiet.
Calore[It.]:Warm,warmth,passionately.
Caloroso[It.]:Warm,warmth,passionately.
Cambiare[It.]:Tochange;i.e.tochangetoanew
instrument,etc.
Camminando[It.]:Walking,movingevenlyalong.
Cantabile[It.]:(cant.)Singable,songlike.
Cantando[It.]:Singing.
Capo[It.]:Head.
Capriccio[It.]:Capricious,capriciously,atthe
playerspleasure;alsoamusicalforminalight
style.
Capricciosamente[It.]:Capricious,capriciously,at
theplayerspleasure.
Capriccioso[It.]:Capricious,capriciously,atthe
playerspleasure.
Carazzendo[It.]:Soothingly,caressingly.
Cedando[It.]:Slowingdown.
Cdez[Fr.]:Yield,slowdown.
Celare[It.]:Fast,quickly.
Celeramente[It.]:Fast,quickly.
page3
Cesura[Sp.]:Pause.
Csure[Fr.]:Pause.
Chalaur[Fr.]:Warm,warmth,passionately.
Chant[Fr.]:Singing.
Chasse[Fr.]:Chase,hunt.
Chiaramente[It.]:Clear,clearly.
Chiaro[It.]:Clear,clearly.
Chiave[It.]:Clef;seeAppendixB.
Chiuso[It.]:Closed;mutedbyhand.
Cinq[Fr.]:Five.
Clarino[It.]:HighrangeoftheBaroque(natural)
trumpet(thelowrangeiscalledtheprincipalle);
referstothestylefotrumpetplayingutilizing
thehighregisterofthenaturaltrumpet,where
theharmonicseriesallowsfordiatonic
movement.
Clave[Sp.]:Clef;seeAppendixB.
Clef[En.]:SeeAppendixB.
Clos[Fr.]:Shut,closed.
Coda[It.]:Tail;concludingsection.
Codetta[It.]:Asmallcoda.
Col[It.]:With.
Collaparte[It.]:Aplayershoulddoubleanothers
part.
Colossale[It.]:Collossal,tremendous.
Comdamente[It.]:Comfortable,easy(usuallyrefers
totempo)
Come[It.]:How,as,like.
Comeprima[It.]:Asbefore,likethefirsttime;
usuallyreferstoanearliertempoorspecifically
thefirsttempo.
Comesopra[It.]:Asabove;usuallyreferstothe
previoustempo
Comme[Fr.]:As,like.
Commontime[En.]:Referstothetimesignature4/4.
Commosso[It.]:Moved,touched.
Comodo[It.]:Comfortable,easy(usuallyrefersto
tempo)
Con[It.]:With.
Conaffeto[It.]:Withaffection,oremotion.
Conamore[It.]:Withlove
Conanima[It.]:Withsoul,orfeeling.
Conbrio[It.]:Withspirit,vigor.
Condolore[It.]:Withsadness.
Conespressione[It.]:Withexpression.
Conforza[It.]:Withstrength,force.
Confuoco[It.]:Withfire.
Conlarghezza[It.]:Withbroadness.
Conmoto[It.]:With,movement,motion.
Conslancio[It.]:Withmomentum,impetus.
Consordina[It.]:Withmute.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Cor[Fr.]:Horn.
Cornetpistons[Fr.]:Cornet.
Corneta[Sp.]:Cornet.
Cornetta[It.]:Cornet.
Corno[It.]:Horn.
Crescendo[It.]:(cresc.)Growing;increasingvolume.
Cuarteto[Sp.]:(Quartet)Ensembleoffourplayers.
Cuivre[Fr.]:Brassyandharsh.
Cuttime[En.]:Referstothetimesignature2/2.
D.C.:Abbreviationfordacapo.
D.S.:Abbreviationfordalsegno.
Da[It.]:From,at.
DaCapo[It.]:(D.C.)Fromthebeginning.
Dal[It.]:Fromthe.
DalSegno[It.]:(D.S.)Fromthesign.
Dmpfer[Ger.]:Mute.
Dattaque[Fr.]:Attack.
Dauer[Ger.]:Duration.
Dauernd[Ger.]:Duration.
De[Fr.]:From,of.
Debole[It.]:Weak,faint.
Dcid[Fr.]:Decisive,decisively.
Decisamente[It.]:Decisive,decisively.
Deciso[It.]:Decisive,decisively.
Declamato[It.]:Declamatory.
Decrescendo[It.]:(decresc.)Decreasinginvolume.
Dehors[Fr.]:Intheopen,prominent.
Del[It.]:Ofthe,aboutthe.
Delicatamente[It.]:Delicate,delicately.
Delicatezza[It.]:Delicate,delicately.
Delicato[It.]:Delicate,delicately.
Dli[Fr.]:Sharp,detached.
Derb[Ger.]:Rough,robust.
Des[Fr.]:The,some.
Dtach[Fr.]:Detached;unconcerned,nonchalant.
Deutlich[Ger.]:Clear,distinct.
Deux[Fr.]:Two.
Devoto[It.]:Devout,devoutly,faithful.
Di[It.]:About,of,by.
Dimolto[It.]:Very.
Dinuovo[It.]:New,again.
Diluendo[It.]:Dilute,thinning;dyingaway.
Diminuendo[It.]:(dim.)Decreasinginvolume.
Disinvolto[It.]:Confident,freeandeasy.
Dissonante[It.]:Dissonant.
Div.[It.]:Abbreviationfordivisi;part,divide.
Divisi[It.]:Part,divide.
Doigt[Fr.]:Fingering.
Dolce[It.]:Sweet.
Dolcezza[It.]:Sweetness,gentleness.
Dolcissimo[It.]:Muchsweetness,gentleness.
page4
Dolente[It.]:Sad.
Doloroso[It.]:Painful,mournful.
Doppelt[Ger.]:Double.
Doppeltsoschnell[Ger.]:Twiceasfast.
Doppio[It.]:Double.
Doppiomovimento[It.]:Twiceasfast.
Doubletongue[En.]:Useoftwoconsonants(tah
kah)infastarticulationofcoupletsonbrass
instrumentsandsomewoodwinds.
Doucement[Fr.]:Gently,softly.
Douloureux[Fr.]:Painful,sorrowful.
Doux[Fr.]:Sweet,soft.
Doux[Fr.]:Gentle,sweet,soft.
Drammatico[It.]:Dramatically.
Drngend[Ger.]:Pressing,quickening.
Duolo[It.]:Grief.
Dur[Ger.]:Major.
Duramente[It.]:Harshly,severely.
Durchdringend[Ger.]:Piercing,shrill
Duret[Fr.]:Hardness,harshness,toughness;
severity.
Durezza[It.]:Hardness,toughness.
Dynamics[It.]:Referstotherelativevolumein
executionofapieceofmusic.
E[It.]:And.
clatant[Fr.]:Brilliant,dazzling,asanexplosion.
Eco[It.]:Echo.
galement[Fr.]:Too,same,aswell.
galit[Fr.]:Equality.
Eile[Ger.]:Hurry.
Eilend[Ger.]:Hurrying.
EinHeldenleben[Ger.]:AHeroicLife;major
orchestralwork(tonepoem)byRichardStrauss.
Einwenig[Ger.]:Alittle.
EineAlpensinfonie[Ger.]:AnAlpineSympony;
majororchestralwork(tonepoem)byRichard
Strauss.
Einfacht[Ger.]:Simple.
Einhlang[Ger.]:Unison.
largissant[Fr.]:Broadening,becomingslower;
sometimesaccompaniedwithincreasedvolume.
lgant[Fr.]:Elegant,graceful.
lgant[It.]:Elegant.
Elegante[It.]:Elegant.
Empfindsamkeit[Ger.]:Sensitiveness,
sentimentality.
Empfindung[Ger.]:Sensitivity,feeling.
Empress[Fr.]:Avid,eager.
mu[Fr.]:Touched,moved,withemotion.
En[Fr.]:In,into,at;forphrasesbeginningwiththis
preposition,seethewordfollowing.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Endehors[Fr.]:Prominent;prominently.
Enpressant[Fr.]:Pressingforward.
Enretenant[Fr.]:Holdingback.
Enchanez[Fr.]:Chain,restrain,secure;continue
withoutpause.
Encore[Fr.]:Again;inperformance,anadditional
pieceorfragmentofmaterialperformedusually
attherequestoftheaudience.
Energico[It.]:Energetic,stirring,vigorous.
Energique[Fr.]:Energetic,stirring,vigorous.
Enfatico[It.]:Emphatic;emphatically.
Enlevez[Fr.]:Takeoff.
Entendre[Fr.]:Tohear.
Entendu[Fr.]:Heard.
Entfernt[Ger.]:Inthedistance,distant.
Entrain[Fr.]:Pep,energy.
Entscheiden[Ger.]:Decided,resolute.
Entschlssen[Ger.]:Decided,resolute,determined.
Epilogue[Fr.]:Concludingsection.
Ergriffen[Ger.]:Moved,stirred.
Erhaben[Ger.]:Sublime,noble.
Erhabenheit[Ger.]:Sublimity,nobility.
Erlschend[Ger.]:Extinguishing,dyingaway.
Ermattend[Ger.]:Tiring,weakening.
Ernst[Ger.]:Earnest,serious.
Ernsthaft[Ger.]:Earnest,serious.
Eroica[It.]:Heroic,heroically.
Ersatz[Ger.]:Replacement,substitute.
Ersterbend[Ger.]:Dyingaway.
Erweitern[Ger.]:Expand,extend.
Esercizio[It.]:Exercise,study.
Espirando[It.]:Breathingout;expiring,dyingaway.
Espressif[It.]:(espressivo)Withexpression.
Espressione[It.]:Expression.
Espressivo[It.]:(Espress.,Espr.)Withexpression.
Estilo[Sp.]:Style.
Estinguendo[It.]:Extinguishing,dyingaway.
Estinto[It.]:Extinct,extinguished;barelyaudible.
Estomp[Fr.]:Toneddown.
Et[Fr.]:And.
teindre[Fr.]:Toextinguish.
touff[Fr.]:Hushed,muted,dampened.
touffoir[Fr.]:Hushed,muted,dampened.
Etude[Fr.]:Exercise,study.
Etwas[Ger.]:Somewhat.
Eutschlossen[Ger.]:Resolute,determined.
Extrmement[Fr.]:Extremely.
F[It.]:Abbreviationforforte;loud.
Facile[It.]:Easy,simple.
Facilmente[It.]:Easily,simply.
Facultatif[Fr.]:Optional.
page5
Fanfaretongue[En.]:(Utilitytongue)Tripletongue
usingtahkahtahpattern;saidtoprovidemore
evenandpreciserhythm.
Fantasque[Fr.]:Whimsical,capricious.
Fastoso[It.]:Sumptuous,pompous.
Feierlich[Ger.]:Solemn.
Fermata[It.]:Stop;inpractice,thedurationofaso
markednoteisatthediscretionoftheperformer
ortheconductor;afermataattheendofafirst
orintermediatemovementorsectionisusually
moderatelyprolonged,butthefinalfermataofa
symphonymaybepro
Ferne[Ger.]:Distance.
Fernwerk[Ger.]:Asanecho.
Feroce[It.]:Ferociously.
FesteRomane[It.]:RomanFestivals;major
orchestralworkbyOttorinoRespighi(thethird
ofhissocalledRomanTrilogy).
Festivamente[It.]:Festive,cheerful.
Festoso[It.]:Festive.
Festspiel[Ger.]:Festive.
Feuer[Ger.]:Fire,passion.
Feuerig[Ger.]:Fiery,passionate.
FF[It.]:Abbreviationforfortissimo;veryloud.
Fieramente[It.]:Proud,haughty,fierce.
Fiero[It.]:Proud,haughty,fierce.
Fin[Fr.]:Theend.
Fine[It.]:End.
Fiscorno[Sp.]:Flugelhorn.
Flat[En.]:Asymbolthatlowersthepitchbyahalf
step;alsoreferstodescribetheintonationofa
performerorgroupofperformerswhenthe
soundistoolowbysomedegree.
Flatt.[Ger.]:Fluttertongue;thetongueistrilled
againsttheroofofthemouthbehindthefront
teeth.
Flatterzunge[Ger.]:Fluttertongue;thetongueis
trilledagainsttheroofofthemouthbehindthe
frontteeth.
Flebile[It.]:Plaintive,mournful.
Flicorno[It.]:Flugelhorn.
Flssig[Ger.]:Fluid,flowing.
Flsternd[Ger.]:Whispering.
Fluttertongue[En.]:thetongueistrilledagainstthe
roofofthemouthbehindthefrontteeth.
Focoso[It.]:Fiery.
Fois[Fr.]:Time.
FontanediRoma[It.]:RomanFestivals;major
orchestralworkbyOttorinoRespighi(thethird
ofhissocalledRomanTrilogy).
Fort[Fr.]:Forte,strong.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Forte[It.]:(f)Loud.
Fortepiano[It.]:(fp)Loudfollowedimmediatelyby
soft.
Fortissimo[It.]:(ff)Veryloud.
Forza[It.]:Strength,force.
Forzando[It.]:(fz)Forcing,forced;strongly
accented.
Forzato[It.]:(fz)Forcing,forced;stronglyaccented.
Fp[It.]:Fortepiano;loudfollowedimmediatelyby
soft.
Freddo[It.]:Coldly,unemotional.
Frei[Ger.]:Free,freely.
Frescamente[It.]:Fresh,freshly.
Fresco[It.]:Fresh,freshly.
Frettevole[It.]:Hasty,hurried.
Frettoloso[It.]:Hasty,hurried.
Frettoso[It.]:Hasty,hurried.
Frhliche[Ger.]:Joyous.
Frulatto[It.]:Fluttertongue;thetongueistrilled
againsttheroofofthemouthbehindthefront
teeth.
Fuga[Lat.]:SeeFugue.
Fugue[Fr.]:Flight;acomplexandhighly
regimentedcontrapuntalforminmusicwherea
shorttheme(thesubject)isintroducedinone
voice(orpart)alone,theninothers,with
imitationandcharacteristicdevelopmentasthe
pieceprogresses.
Funebre[It.]:Funeral;statelyandploddingtempo
Fuoco[It.]:Fire.
Fuoco[It.]:Fire.
Fuocoso[It.]:Fiery.
Furia[It.]:Fury.
Furioso[It.]:Furious.
Fz[It.]:Abbreviationforforzandoorforzato;
forcing,forced,stronglyaccented.
G.P.:AbbreviationforGeneralpause
Gai[Fr.]:Gay,lively;fast.
Gaiement[Fr.]:Gay,lively;fast.
Galop[Fr.]:Originallygaloppade;dancein2/4,
originatinginParis;imitatingthegaitofahorse.
Garbato[It.]:Polite,graceful,elegant.
Garbo[It.]:Polite,graceful,elegant.
Gaudioso[It.]:Joyfully.
Gebunden[Ger.]:Legato,smooth.
Gedmpft[Ger.]:Softened,dampened,muted.
Gedehnt[Ger.]:Stretched,prolonged;slow.
Gefllig[Ger.]:Pleasing,pleasant.
Gefhlvoll[Ger.]:Sensitive,sentimental.
Gegen[Ger.]:Against,contraryto.
Gehalten[Ger.]:Sustained.
page6
Gehaucht[Ger.]:Whispered.
Geheimnisvoll[Ger.]:Mysterious.
Gehend[Ger.]:Mediumtempo.
Geistlich[Ger.]:Sacred.
Gekoppelt[Ger.]:Coupled.
Gelassen[Ger.]:Calm,tranquil.
Gemchlich[Ger.]:Leisurely,comfortably;slow.
Gemssigt[Ger.]:Moderate.
Gemendo[It.]:Moaning,lamenting.
Gemessen[Ger.]:Measured.
Genau[Ger.]:Exact,precise.
Generalpause[Ger.]:(G.P.)Generalpause,arestfor
allmusicians,usuallyunexpected.
Gentile[It.]:Gentle,gently.
Gesang[Ger.]:Song;singingly.
Geschwind[Ger.]:Fast,quickly.
Gesteigert[Ger.]:Increased,asinloudness.
Gestopft[Ger.]:Plugged,stopped.
Geteilt[Ger.]:Divided.
Getragen[Ger.]:Sustained,slow,solemn.
Getragen[Ger.]:Sustained,slow,solemn.
Gewandt[Ger.]:Agile,quick.
Gewandt[Ger.]:Agile.
Gewhnlich[Ger.]:Usual;returntoprevious
playingstyle.
Giga[It.]:Dance,oftenin12/8time,originatingin
IrelandandEngland.
Giga[Sp.]:Dance,oftenin12/8time,originatingin
IrelandandEngland.
Gigue[Fr.]:(Jig)Dance,oftenin12/8time,
originatinginIrelandandEngland.
Giocoso[It.]:Joyous,merry.
Giustamente[It.]:Just,precise.
Giusto[It.]:Just,precise.
Glnz[Ger.]:Shine,brightness,brilliant.
Glnzend[Ger.]:Shine,brightness,brilliant.
Gleichmssig[Ger.]:Uniform,even,equal.
Gliss.:Abbreviationforglissandoorglisser;a
continuousslidingmovementfromonepitchto
another.
Glissando[It.]:(gliss.)Slide;acontinuoussliding
movementfromonepitchtoanother.
Glisser[Fr.]:(gliss.)Slide;acontinuoussliding
movementfromonepitchtoanother.
Goioso[It.]:Joyous,merry.
Gracieux[Fr.]:Graceful.
Gracile[It.]:Wispy,delicate,delicately.
Gradatamente[It.]:Gradually,littlebylittle.
Gradito[It.]:Pleasing,pleasant.
Gran[It.]:Grand,great.
Grandezza[It.]:Greatness,magnitude.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Grandioso[It.]:Grandiose,magnificent.
Grave[It.]:Graveorsolemn;slow.
Grazioso[It.]:Gracious,graceful.
Grottesco[It.]:Grotesque;grotesquely.
Gusto[It.]:Taste;tasteful,agreeable.
Gustoso[It.]:Taste;tasteful,agreeable.
Hardi[Fr.]:Bold,audacious.
Hastig[Ger.]:Hasty,hurried.
Heftig[Ger.]:Violent,impetuous.
Heiter[Ger.]:Merry,cheerful.
Hemiola[En.]:Theimpositionofarhythmical
patternorarticulationwhichimpliesatime
signatureotherthanthatwhichiswritten.
Hervorgehoben[Ger.]:Emphasized,prominent.
Hervortretrend[Ger.]:Forward,emphasized,
prominent.
Herzlich[Ger.]:Sincere,heartfelt,affected.
Hinsterbend[Ger.]:Dyingaway.
Hchst[Ger.]:Highly.
Homophony[Lat.]:Literally,samesound;musical
texturewithaclearmelodiclineaccompanied
bychords(comparewithPolyphony).
Hornpipe[En.]:Dance,oftenin3/2time,originating
inEnglandandScotland.
Hurtig[Ger.]:Nible,nimbly,agile.
Iermouvt[Fr.]:Returntooriginaltempoaftersome
deviationfromit.
Immer[Ger.]:Always.
Imperioso[It.]:Imperious.
Impetuoso[It.]:Impetuous,impulsive.
Improvvisato[It.]:Improvised,orasifimprovised.
Imrpovvisando[It.]:Withimprovisation.
Inaltissimo[It.]:Inthehighest;inpractice,playor
singanoctavehigher.
Inmoddi[It.]:Inthefashionof,inthestyleof.
Incalzando[It.]:Persisting,pressingon.
Incisif[Fr.]:Incisive,sharp,biting.
Innig[Ger.]:Ardent,heartfelt,fervent.
Insieme[It.]:Together.
Insistendo[It.]:Insistently,deliberately.
Intimo[It.]:Intimately.
Intonation[En.]:Inmusic,thedegreeofprecisionof
pitch.
Irato[It.]:Irate,angrily.
ISMN:AbbreviationforInternationalStandard
MusicNumber.
Jagdhorn[Ger.]:Huntinghorn.
Jig[En.]:Dance,oftenin12/8time,originatingin
IrelandandEngland.
Joli[Fr.]:Pretty,lovely,handsome.
Jouer[Fr.]:Playaround.
page7
Jusqu[Fr.]:Allthewayto,until,upto.
K.[Ger.]:AbbreviationforKchelVerzeichnis;
catalogofW.A.Mozartsworks,aspreparedby
LudwigvonKchel.
K.V.[Ger.]:AbbreviationforKchelVerzeichnis;
catalogofW.A.Mozartsworks,aspreparedby
LudwigvonKchel.
Kammer[Ger.]:Chamber(Kammermusik:chamber
music)
Kirche[Ger.]:Church(Kirchenmusik:church
music).
Klagelied[Ger.]:Complaintsong;lament,elegy.
Klagend[Ger.]:Complaining.
Klglich[Ger.]:Pitiful.
Klang[Ger.]:Sound,sonority.
Klanglich[Ger.]:Sonorous.
Klar[Ger.]:Clear,distinct.
Klein[Ger.]:Small,little.
Klingen[Ger.]:Sound.
KchelVerzeichnis[Ger.]:CatalogofW.A.
Mozartsworks,aspreparedbyLudwigvon
Kchel.
Konzert[Ger.]:Concert;concerto.
Kornett[Ger.]:Cornet.
Kornett[Ger.]:Cornet.
Kraft[Ger.]:Power.
Krftig[Ger.]:Strong.
La[Fr.]:The.
Lacrimoso[It.]:Tearfully,maudlin.
Laisser[Fr.]:Let,allow.
Lamentabile[It.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Lamentando[It.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Lamentoso[It.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Lancio[It.]:Launch,spring.
Langsam[Ger.]:Slow.
Langsamer[Ger.]:Slow.
Larga[Lat.]:In.
Largamente[It.]:Wide,broad;slow.
Largando[It.]:Broadening,becomingslower;
sometimesaccompaniedwithincreasedvolume.
Large[Fr.]:Wide,broad;slow.
Larghetto[It.]:LessslowthanLargo.
Larghissimo[It.]:Veryslow;slowerthanLargo.
Largo[It.]:Wide,broad;slow.
Lassen[Ger.]:Let.
Laut[Ger.]:Loud;loudly.
Lautre[Fr.]:Theother.
Le[Fr.]:The,the.
LePomedelextase[Fr.]:ThePoemofExtasy
(SymphonyNo.4);majororchestralworkby
AlexanderScriabin.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
LeSacreduPrintemps[Fr.]:TheRiteofSpring;
majororchestralworkbyIgorStravinsky.
Lebendig[Ger.]:Living,lively.
Lebhaft[Ger.]:Lively,brisk.
Legato[It.]:Fastened,bound,tied;playedsmoothly
withoutseparation.
Lgr[Fr.]:Light,lightly.
Lgr[Fr.]:Light,lightly.
Lgrement[Fr.]:Light,lightly.
Leggermente[It.]:Light,lightly.
Leggero[It.]:Light,lightly.
Leggiadramente[It.]:Graceful.
Leggiadro[It.]:Graceful.
Leggiero[It.]:Light,lightly.
Leicht[Ger.]:Easy,easily.
Leidenschaftlich[Ger.]:Passionate.
Leise[Ger.]:Soft.
Leitmotif[Ger.]:Leadingmotive;arecurring
musicalfragment,oftenassociatedwith
Wagnersoperaticworks.
Leitmotiv[Ger.]:Leadingmotive;arecurring
musicalfragment,oftenassociatedwith
Wagnersoperaticworks.
Lent[Fr.]:Slow.
Lentamente[Fr.]:Slow.
Lentamente[It.]:Slow.
Lentement[Fr.]:Slow.
Lenteur[Fr.]:Tardiness,slowness.
Lentissimo[It.]:Extremelyslow.
Lento[It.]:Slow.
Les[Fr.]:The,them.
Lhistoiredusoldat[Fr.]:SoldiersTale;major
chamberworkbyIgorStravinsky.
Libero[Fr.]:Freely.
Libitum[Lat.]:Whim.
Libre[Fr.]:Freely.
Librement[Fr.]:Freely.
Li[Fr.]:Fastened,bound,tied;playedsmoothly
withoutseparation.
Lietamente[It.]:Happy,joyful,pleased.
Lieto[It.]:Happy,joyful,pleased.
Lieve[It.]:Light,gentle,delicate.
Lievemente[It.]:Light,gentle,delicate.
Liscio[It.]:Smooth,plain.
Listesso[It.]:Thesame;appliedtotempo,
articulation,etc.
Listessotempo[It.]:Thesametempo.
Lostesso[It.]:Thesame;appliedtotempo,
articulation,etc.
page8
Loco[It.]:Inplace;inpractive,areturntooriginal
octaveafterpreviouslybeinginstructedtoplay
anoctavehigherorlower.
Lointain[Fr.]:Remote,faroff,distant.
LOiseaudefeu[Fr.]:TheFirebird;majorballetby
IgorStravinsky.
Long[Fr.]:Long.
Lontano[It.]:Distant.
Lourd[Fr.]:Heavy.
Luftpause[Ger.]:Breathing;apause,lift.
Lugubre[Fr.,It.]:Lugubrious;gloomy,mournful.
Luminoso[It.]:Luminous,luminously.
Lunga[It.]:Long.
Lungo[It.]:Long.
Lusingando[It.]:Flatter,compliment.
Lustig[Ger.]:Merry,joyous.
Luttuosamente[It.]:Mournful.
Luttuoso[It.]:Mournful.
M.M.:AbbreviationforMaelzelsMetronome;
indicatesbeatsperminute.
Ma[It.]:But.
Manontroppo[It.]:Butnottoomuch.
Maestoso[It.]:Majestic.
Maggiore[It.]:Majormode.
Magico[It.]:Magically.
Magnifico[It.]:Magnificent.
Mais[Fr.]:But.
Majeur[Fr.]:Majormode.
Malinconico[It.]:Sad,melancholic.
Mancando[It.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Marcatissimo[It.]:Heavilymarked,stressed,
emphasized.
Marcato[It.]:(Marc.)Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Marcha[Sp.]:March.
Marche[Fr.]:March.
Marcia[It.]:March.
Markiert[Ger.]:Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Markig[Ger.]:Vigorous.
Marqu[Fr.]:Marked,stressed,emphasized.
Marsch[Ger.]:March.
Martlement[Fr.]:Hammering.
Martellato[It.]:Hammered.
Marziale[It.]:March.
Mssig[Ger.]:Moderateormoderately(also,
mig).
Mazurka[Pol.]:Dance,oftenin3/4or3/2time,
characterizedbystrongaccentsonweakbeats,
originatinginPoland.
Medesimo[It.]:Same.
Mehr[Ger.]:More.
Melancolico[It.]:Melancholic,sad.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Meno[It.]:Less.
Messe[Fr.]:Mass.
Messe[Ger.]:Mass.
Mesto[It.]:Mournful.
Mesure[Fr.]:Measure,cadence,rhythm.
Mesur[Fr.]:Measured.
Mettere[Fr.]:Putorplace.
Mettez[Fr.]:Putorplace.
Mettre[Fr.]:Putorplace.
Mezza[It.]:Half,medium,middle.
Mezzo[It.]:Half,medium,middle.
Mezzoforte[It.]:(mf)Mediumloud.
Mezzopiano[It.]:(mp)Mediumsoft.
Mezzosoprano[It.]:Mediumsoprano;Voicepart
belowSopranoandaboveAlto.
Mf[It.]:Abbreviationformezzoforte;medium
loud.
Militaire[Fr.]:Military,militarisitic.
Militare[It.]:Military,militarisitic.
Minacciosamente[It.]:Threatening,ominous.
Minaccioso[It.]:Threatening,ominous.
Mineur[Fr.]:Minormode.
Minore[It.]:Minormode.
Mise[Fr.]:Laid,set,placed.
Missa[Lat.]:Mass.
Misterioso[It.]:Mysterious.
Misura[It.]:Meter,measure,beat.
Mit[Ger.]:With.
Mitte[Ger.]:Middle.
Mobile[It.]:Flexible,changeable.
Moderato[It.]:Moderatetempo.
Modr[It.]:Moderatetempo.
Modesto[It.]:Modest,modestly,unassuming.
Modo[It.]:Manner.
Mglich[Ger.]:Possible.
Moins[Fr.]:Less.
Moll[Ger.]:Minor.
Molto[It.]:Very,much.
Morceau[Fr.]:Piece,composition.
Morendo[It.]:Dyingorfadingawayindynamics
andpossibleintempo.
Mormorando[It.]:Murmeringorwhispering.
Mosso[It.]:Moved,agitated.
Moto[It.]:Movement,motion.
Mouvement[Fr.]:Movement,tempo,motion.
Movimento[It.]:Movement,tempo,motion.
Mp[It.]:Abbreviationformezzopiano;medium
soft.
Munter[Ger.]:Lively,brisk.
Musette[Fr.]:Dance,characterizedbyadroning
bass,originatinginFrance.
page9
Musica[Lat.]:Music.
Musik[Ger.]:Music.
Muta[It.]:Change(asinchangeoftuningorchange
ofinstrument).
Mutano[It.]:Change(asinchangeoftuningor
changeofinstrument).
Mutare[It.]:Change(asinchangeoftuningor
changeofinstrument).
Nachdrcklich[Ger.]:Emphatic,energetic.
Nachlassend[Ger.]:Diminishing;alsorefersto
slackeningoftempo.
Narrante[It.]:Narratingly.
Natural[En.]:Asymbolwhichcancelstheeffectofa
sharporaflat.
Naturale[Fr.]:Discontinueaspecialeffect.
Naturtrompete[Ger.]:Naturaltrumpet.
Nehmen[Ger.]:Take(asintakeuporpreparea
differentinstrumentormute).
Nicht[Ger.]:Not.
Niente[Ger.]:Nothing;diminuendotonothing.
Nimmt[Ger.]:Take(asintakeuporpreparea
differentinstrumentormute).
Nobile[It.]:Noble,nobly.
Nobilmente[It.]:Noble,nobly.
Nocturne[Fr.]:Night;amusicalpiecewrittenforthe
night.
Non[It.]:Not.
Nonet[En.]:Ensembleofnineplayers.
Noneto[Sp.]:(Nonet)Ensembleofnineplayers.
Nonett[Ger.]:(Nonet)Ensembleofnineplayers.
Nonette[Fr.]:(Nonet)Ensembleofnineplayers.
Nonetto[It.]:(Nonet)Ensembleofnineplayers.
Notturno[It.]:Nocturnal,ofthenight.
Nourri[Fr.]:Fed,nourished.
Obbligato[It.]:Obligatory;referstoanimportant
accompanyingpartwhichisnottobeomitted.
Obligat[Ger.]:Obligatory;referstoanimportant
accompanyingpartwhichisnottobeomitted.
Obra[Sp.]:Work.
Octet[En.]:Ensembleofeightplayers.
Octeto[Sp.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
Octette[Fr.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
Octuor[Fr.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
Oeuvre[Fr.]:Work;usedtochronologicallycatalog
acomposersworks.
Oficleide[It.]:Analtoorbassbrassinstrument;the
bassophicleideroughlyequatestoatuba,and
itspartsare,intodaysworld,playedonthe
tuba.
Ohne[Ger.]:Without.
Oktett[Ger.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Omaggio[It.]:Homage,celebration.
Op.[Lat.]:Abbreviationforopus;work;usedto
chronologicallycatalogacomposersworks.
Ophicleide[Fr.]:Analtoorbassbrassinstrument;
thebassophicleideroughlyequatestoatuba,
anditspartsare,intodaysworld,playedonthe
tuba.
Ophikleide[Ger.]:Analtoorbassbrassinstrument;
thebassophicleideroughlyequatestoatuba,
anditspartsare,intodaysworld,playedonthe
tuba.
Oppure[It.]:Or;usedtoindicateanalternative
(usuallyeasier)versionofapassage.
Opus[Lat.]:(op.)Work;usedtochronologically
catalogacomposersworks.
Ordinaire[Fr.]:Ordinary,normal.
Ordinario[It.]:Ordinary,normal.
Ossia[It.]:Or;usedtoindicateanalternative
(usuallyeasier)versionofapassage.
Ostinato[It.]:Obstinate;amusicalpatternplayed
repeatedly.
ter[Fr.]:Toremove(amute).
Otetto[It.]:(Octet)Ensembleofeightplayers.
tez[Fr.]:Toremove(amute).
Ottava[It.]:Octave.
Ottoni[It.]:Brass(stromentidottoni:brass
instruments).
Ou[Fr.]:Or.
Ouvert[Fr.]:Open.
P[It.]:Abbreviationforpiano;soft.
Pacato[It.]:Placid,sedate.
Padiglione[It.]:Bellofawindinstrument(asin
padiglioneinalto:bellheldhigh).
Parlando[It.]:Asifspoken,enunciated.
Parlante[It.]:Asifspoken,enunciated.
Partitur[Ger.]:Fullorchestralscore.
Passionato[It.]:Passionate,passionately.
Pastorale[It.]:Inapastoralstyle;peaceful,simple.
Patetico[It.]:Pitiable,pathetic.
Pathetique[Fr.]:Pitiable,pathetic.
Pathetisch[Ger.]:Pitiable,pathetic.
Pauroso[It.]:Cowardly,timid,fearful.
Pausa[It.]:Pause,rest.
Pavillon[Fr.]:Bellofawindinstrument(asin
pavillonenlair:bellintheair).
Penseroso[It.]:Pensively;thoughtfully,
meditatively.
Perdendosi[It.]:Dyingorfadingaway,intermsof
dynamicsandsometimestempo.
Perpetuo[It.]:Perpetual,unending.
Pesante[It.]:Weighty,emphasized.
page10
Petit[Fr.]:Little.
Peu[Fr.]:Littleinamount.
Peupeu[Fr.]:Alittle.
Pezzo[It.]:Piece,composition.
Piacere,a[It.]:Attheperfomerspleasure.
Piacevole[It.]:Pleasing,pleasant,charming.
Piangendo[It.]:Crying,weeping,plaintive.
Piangevole[It.]:Crying,weeping,plaintive.
Pianissimo[It.]:(pp)Verysoft.
Piano[It.]:(p)Soft.
Pieno[It.]:Full.
Pieza[Sp.]:Piece,composition.
PinadiRoma[It.]:ThePinesofRome;major
orchestralworkbyOttorinoRespighi(the
secondofhissocalledRomanTrilogy).
Pitchnames[En.]:SeeAppendixA.
Pi[It.]:More.
Piutosto[It.]:Rather.
Placido[It.]:Placid,tranquil,sedate.
Plainte[Fr.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Planctus[Lat.]:Lamenting,whiny,wailing.
Pltzlich[Ger.]:Suddenly.
Plus[Fr.]:More.
Pochettino[It.]:(Poch.)Verylittleinamount.
Pochissimo[It.]:(pochiss.)Exremelylittle.
Poco[It.]:Littleinamount.
Pocoapoco[It.]:LittlebyLittle.
Poi[It.]:Then,next.
Pointdorgue[Fr.]:Fermata;cadenzaindicatedbya
fermata.
Polacca[It.]:Polonaise;inaPolishstyle;afestive
processional.
Polonaise[Fr.]:InaPolishstyle;afestive
processional.
Polyphony[Lat.]:Literally,manysounds;musical
texturewithmultiplemelodiclinesperforming
simultaneously.
Pomposo[It.]:Pompous.
Portamento[It.]:Acontinuousmovementfromone
pitchtoanotherthroughoutalltheintervening
pitches,withoutsoundinganydiscreetpitches.
Portato[It.]:Carried;articulationlongerthan
staccatobutshorterthanlegato.
Pos.[Ger.]:Abbreviationforposuane;trombone.
Posato[It.]:Reposed;rested,settled.
Possible[Fr.]:Possible,feasible,likely,conceivable.
Posthorn[Ger.]:Smallborebugleusedfor
signaling.
Posuane[Ger.]:(pos.)Trombone.
Pour[Fr.]:For.
Pp[It.]:Abbreviationforpianissimo;verysoft.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Prcdente[Fr.]:Precedinig,previousto.
Precipitato[It.]:Plunge,hurry,rush.
Prenda[It.]:Take,get.
Prendere[It.]:Take(asintakeuporpreparea
differentinstrumentormute).
Prendre[Fr.]:Take(asintakeuporpreparea
differentinstrumentormute).
Pressant[Fr.]:Pressing,quickening.
Pressant[Fr.]:Pressing,quickening;urgent.
Pressante[It.]:Pressing,quickening.
Prestissimo[It.]:Asfastaspossible.
Presto[It.]:Veryfast.
Primavolta[It.]:Firsttime;firstending.
Primo[It.]:First.
Principale[It.]:LowrangeoftheBaroque(natural)
trumpet(thehighrangeiscalledtheclarino).
Progessivement[Fr.]:Progessively,gradually,step
bystep.
Prontamente[It:Quick.
Pronto[It.]:Quick.
Quartet[En.]:Ensembleoffourplayers.
Quartett[Ger.]:(Quartet)Ensembleoffourplayers.
Quartetto[It.]:(Quartet)Ensembleoffourplayers.
Quasi[It.]:Almost,moreorless.
Quatuor[Fr.]:(Quartet)Ensembleoffourplayers.
Quintet[En.]:Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quinteto[Sp.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quintette[Fr.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quintette[Ger.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quintetto[It.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
Quintuor[Fr.]:(Quintet)Ensembleoffiveplayers.
R.:Abbreviationforripieno,rcitativeor
ritardando.
Rabbia[It.]:Anger,rage,fury.
Raddolcendo[It.]:Becomingsofter,sweeter.
Raffrenando[It.]:Slowingdown.
Ralentir[Fr.]:Slowdown.
Rallentando[It.]:(rall.)Slowingdown.
Rapido[It.]:Rapidly,fast.
Rasch[Ger.]:Quick.
Rattenando[It.]:Heldback.
Rattenuto[It.]:Heldback.
Ravvivando[It.]:Quickening,brightening.
Recueilli[Fr.]:Contemplative.
Rel[Fr.]:Real,actual.
Religioso[It.]:Religiously.
Remettez[Fr.]:Remove.
Remettre[Fr.]:Remove.
Renforcer[Fr.]:Reinforce,strengthen.
Repente[It.]:Suddenly.
Reposato[It.]:Rest,withrepose.
page11
Reprenez[Fr.]:Takeback,recapture.
Restez[Fr.]:Stay;inpractice,toremainonanote.
Restringendo[It.]:Pressingforward.
Retard[En.]:Slowingdowngradually.
Retenant[Fr.]:Heldback.
Retenu[Fr.]:Heldback.
Rf.,rfz.[It.]:Abbreviationforrinforzando;
becominglouderquickly(moresothaninthe
caseofacrescendo).
Rhythm[Fr.]:Cadence,rhythm.
Ridicolosamente[It.]:Ridiculously;humorously,
innacurateandloose.
Rigore[It.]:Rigorous,strict,precise.
Rigoroso[It.]:Rigorous,strict,precise.
Rilasciando[It.]:Free,release;slowingdown.
Rinf.[It.]:Abbreviationforrinforzando;becoming
louderquickly(moresothaninthecaseofa
crescendo).
Rinforzando[It.]:(rf.,rfz.,rinf.)Becominglouder
quickly(moresothaninthecaseofacrescendo).
Ripiano[Fr.]:(Ripeno,RepienoRip.orRep.)Also,
repianoorripieno;tuttipart;specificcornetpart
inabrassband.
Riprendere[It.]:Toresume,continue(asinoriginal
tempo).
Risoluto[It.]:Resolute,resolved,unwavering.
Ritard.,rit.[It.]:AbbreviationforRitardando.
Ritardando[It.]:(ritard.,rit.)Slowingdown
gradually.
Riten.,rit.[It.]:AbbreviationforRitenuto.
Ritenuto[It.]:Heldback;generallymoresudden
thaninthecaseofaritardandoorrallentando.
Ritmato[It.]:Rhythmic.
Ritmico[It.]:Rhythmic.
Ritmo[It.]:Rhythm.
Romanza[It.]:Ballad,generallylesselaboratethan
anaria.
Romanze[Ger.]:Ballad,generallylesselaborate
thananaria.
Rondeau[Fr.]:Musicalformwithmultiplesections,
usuallyreturningtoarecurringrefrain;
typically,theformisABACAorABACABA.
Rondo[It.]:Musicalformwithmultiplesections,
usuallyreturningtoarecurringrefrain;
typically,theformisABACAorABACABA.
Rubato[It.]:Steal;asinstealtime;speedingupand
slowingdownforexpressivepurposes.
Ruhig[Ger.]:Quiet,calm,tranquil.
Ruvido[It.]:Rough,course.
Sackbut[Ger.]:Earlytrombone.
Sanft[Ger.]:Soft.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Sans[Fr.]:Without.
Scatenato[It.]:Unchained,crazy,wildly.
Schall[Ger.]:Sound.
Schalltrichter[Ger.]:Bellofawindinstrument(asin
schalltrichterauf:bellup).
Scherzando[It.]:Playful.
Scherzevole[It.]:Playful,jokingly.
Scherzhaft[It.]:Playful.
Scherzo[It.]:Playful,jokingly;aplayfulorjoking
musicalform.
Scherzoso[It.]:Playful.
Schiettamente[It.]:Straightforward,honest,
unsophisticated.
Schietto[It.]:Straightforward,honest,
unsophisticated.
Schleppen[Ger.]:Todrag.
Schlummerlied[Ger.]:Slumbersong.
Schluss[Ger.]:Conclusion.
Schlssel[Ger.]:Clef;seeAppendixB.
Schmachtend[Ger.]:Languishing.
Schmeichelnd[Ger.]:Flatter,compliment.
Schmerzlich[Ger.]:Painful,sad.
Schmetternd[Ger.]:Blaring,brassy;usuallyin
referencetothehornsection.
Schnell[Ger.]:Fast.
Schneller[Ger.]:Faster.
Schrittmssig[Ger.]:Measured;moderatelyslow
tempo.
Schtteln[Ger.]:Toshake.
Schwach[Ger.]:Weak,soft.
Schwcher[Ger.]:Weaker,softer.
Schweigen[Ger.]:Tobesilent.
Schwer[Ger.]:Heavy,ponderous.
Schwindend[Ger.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Schwungvoll[Ger.]:Spirited,energetic.
Sciolto[It.]:Freeandeasy,unconstrained.
Scorrendo[It.]:Flowing.
Scorrevole[It.]:Flowing.
Sec[Fr.]:Dry,short.
Secco[It.]:Dry,short.
Secondavolta[It.]:Secondtime,secondending.
Secondo[It.]:Second.
Seelenvoll[Ger.]:Soulful.
Segno[It.]:Sign,mark.
Segue[It.]:Follows;indicatesthatthenextsectionof
apieceshouldfollowimmediately.
Sehnsucht[Ger.]:Longing.
Sehr[Ger.]:Very.
Semplice[It.]:Simple,plain.
Semplicit[It.]:Simplicity,ease,informality.
Sempre[It.]:Always.
page12
Sensible[Fr.]:Sensitive;sensitively.
Sentimento[It.]:Feeling.
Sentito[It.]:Felt.
Senza[It.]:Without.
Sparez[Fr.]:Separated.
Septet[En.]:Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Septeto[Sp.]:(Septet)Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Septett[Ger.]:(Septet)Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Septetto[It.]:(Septet)Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Septuor[Fr.]:(Septet)Ensembleofsevenplayers.
Serioso[It.]:Serious.
Serrant[It.]:Becomingfaster.
Sestetto[It.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Seul[Fr.]:Alone;apassageorentirepiecetobe
playedbyoneplayeronly.
Seule[Fr.]:Onlyjust,solely,notmorethan.
Seulement[Fr.]:Onlyjust,solely,notmorethan.
Sextet[En.]:Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sexteto[Sp.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sextette[Fr.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sextette[Ger.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sextuor[Fr.]:(Sextet)Ensembleofsixplayers.
Sf.[It.]:Abbreviationforsforzandoorsforzato;
forcing,forced,accented,loud.
Sfogato[It.]:Giveventto,expresswithoutrestraint.
Sforzando[It.]:(sf)Forcing,forced,accented,loud.
Sforzandopiano[It.]:(sfp)Loudattackfollowed
directlybysoft.
Sforzato[It.]:(sfp)Forcing,forced,accented,loud.
Sfp.[It.]:Abbreviationforsforzandopiano;loud
attackfolloweddirectlybysoft.
Sfz[It.]:Abbreviationforsforzandoorsofrzato;
forcing,forced,accented,loud.
Sharp[En.]:Asymbolthatraisesthepitchbyahalf
step;alsoreferstodescribetheintonationofa
performerorgroupofperformerswhenthe
soundistoohighbysomedegree.
Siciliana[It.]:ASiciliandancein12/8or6/8meter
withaslow,gracefulmelody.
Silence[Fr.]:Rest,quiet,hush.
Silenzio[It.]:Rest,quiet,hush.
Simile[It.]:Inasimilarfashion.
Simili[It.]:Inasimilarfashion.
Sin[It.]:Since.
SinalFine[It.]:Upuntiltheend.
SinalSegno[It.]:Upuntilthesignormark.
Singend[Ger.]:Singing.
Singhiozzando[It.]:Hiccup.
Slancio[It.]:Momentum,impetus.
Slargando[It.]:Broadening,becomingslower;
sometimesaccompaniedwithincreasedvolume.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Slentando[It.]:Slowingdown.
Sminuendo[It.]:Decreasinginvolume.
Smorzando[It.]:(smorz.)Dyingorfadingaway,in
dynamicandusuallytempoaswell.
Snello[It.]:Slender,agile,graceful.
So[Ger.]:So.
Soave[It.]:Gentle,sweet,soft.
Sofort[Ger.]:Immediately;asinproceedtothe
followingmovementwithoutpause.
Sognando[It.]:Dreamy.
Solenne[It.]:Solemn,stately.
Solennel[Fr.]:Grave,solemn.
Soli[It.]:Withinanensemble,thisreferstopassage
tobeplayedbyasmallgrouporsection.
Solo[It.]:Alone;apassageorentirepiecetobe
playedbyoneplayeronly.
Son[Fr.]:Sound.
Sonata[It.]:Amusicalworkforsoloinstrument(s)
inthreeormoremovements.
Sonate[Ger.]:Sonata;amusicalworkforsolo
instrument(s)inthreeormoremovements..
Sonatina[It.]:Alittlesonata.
Sonatine[Sp.]:Alittlesonata.
Sonnerie[Fr.]:Ringing;asignalplayedbybells(or
sometimestrumpets).
Sonoramente[It.]:Sonorous.
Sonore[It.]:Sonorous.
Sonoro[It.]:Sonorous.
Sopra[It.]:Above,onover.
Soprano[It.]:Thehighestofthefourstandardvoice
ranges(soprano,alto,tenor,bass).
Sordina[Sp.]:Mute.
Sordine[It.]:Mute.
Sordino[It.]:Mute.
Sospirando[It.]:Sighing,heaveasigh.
Sostenendo[It.]:Sustained,sustaining.
Sostenuto[It.]:Sustained,sustaining.
Sotto[It:Under,below.
Sottovoce[It.]:Undertone,subdued.
Soupirant[Fr.]:Sighing,heaveasigh.
Sourd[Fr.]:Low,muffled,muted.
Sourd.[Fr.]:Abbreviationforsourdine;mute.
Sourdine[Fr.]:Mute.
Sourdine[It.]:Mute.
SourdineBol[Fr.]:Cupmute.
Soutenu[Fr.]:Sustained,sustaining.
Spasshafte[Ger.]:Funny.
Sperdendosi[It.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Spiccato[It.]:Jump;distinct,separatedarticulation.
Spienato[It.]:Level,smooth,even.
Spirando[It.]:Expiring,dyingaway.
page13
Spirito[It.]:Spirit.
Spiritoso[It.]:Spirit.
Spumante[It.]:Sparkling.
Squillante[It.]:Shrill,resonantly.
Staccatissimo[It.]:Veryseparated,verydetached.
Staccato[It.]:(stacc.)Separated,detached.
Stark[Ger.]:Strong,loud.
Strker[Ger.]:Stronger,louder.
Steigern[Ger.]:Increase,intensify,asinloudness.
Stendando[It.]:Slowing,stretching.
Stentando[It.]:Halting.
Stentato[It.]:Halting.
Sterben[Ger.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Steso[It.]:Lyingdown;referstoslowtempo.
Stesso[It.]:Same.
Stil[Ger.]:Style.
Stile[It.]:Style.
Stimme[Ger.]:Part.
Stimmen[Ger.]:Pluralofstimme;parts.
Stimmung[Ger.]:Mood
Stinguendo[It.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Straff[Ger.]:Tight,rigid,strict.
Straziante[It.]:Heartbreaking,agonizing.
Streng[Ger.]:Severe,strict.
Strepitoso[It.]:Resounding,noisy.
Stretto[It.]:Tight,narrow;fasterorhasteningahead;
apassageinafugueinwhichthecontrapuntal
figurescloselyoverlapooneanotherindifferent
voices.
Stringendo[It.]:Pressingforward.
Strisciando[It.]:Slide;acontinuoussliding
movementfromonepitchtoanother.
Stromentidottoni[It.]:Brassinstruments.
Stck[Ger.]:Piece,composition.
Strze[Ger.]:Bellofawindinstrument(asinstrze
hoch:bellhigh).
Style[Fr.]:Style.
Subito[It.]:Immediately,suddenly.
Sul[It.]:Onthe,overthe.
Sur[Fr.]:On.
Sussurando[It.]:Whispering.
Svelto[It.]:Fleet,nimble.
Syncopation[En.]:Rhythmicdevicewhereby
normallynonemphasizedbeatsareaccentedin
someway.
Syncope[En.]:Anaccentednotewhichtakesplace
onanormallynonemphasizedbeat.
Tacet[Lat.]:Silent;donotplay.
Takt[Ger.]:Beat;meaure;meter.
Taktmssig[Ger.]:Instricttempo.
Taktmesser[Ger.]:Metronome.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Taktstrich[Ger.]:Measureline.
Tanto[It.]:Somuch.
Tanz[Ger.]:Dance.
Tarantella[It.]:Dance,usuallyin6/8time,
originatinginsouthernItaly.
Tardamente[It.]:Dull;referstoaslowtempo.
Tardando[It.]:Increasinglydull;referstoaslowing
tempo.
Tardo[It.]:Dull;referstoaslowtempo.
Tema[It.]:Theme,subject,topic.
Tempestoso[It.]:Stormy,tempestuous.
Tempo[It.]:Time;thespeed/pulseofapieceof
music.
Tempodimarcia[It.]:Marchtempo.
Tempodivalse[It.]:Waltztempo.
Tempogiusto[It.]:Strict.precisetime.
TempoI[Fr.,Ger.,It.]:(alsoTempoI)Returnto Trumerisch[Ger.]:Dreamy.
originaltempoaftersomedeviationfromit.
Tempoordinario[It.]:Commontime(4/4);
moderatetempo.
TempoPrimo[It.]:Returntooriginaltempoafter
somedeviationfromit.
Temporubato[It.]:Robbedtime;speedingupand
slowingdownforexpressivepurposes.
TempoUno[It.]:Returntooriginaltempoafter
somedeviationfromit.
Temps[Fr.]:Time.
Ten.[It.]:Abbreviationfortenuto;keep,hold,grip;
sustainwithoutdetachment.
Teneramente[It.]:Tenderly.
Tenerezza[It.]:Tenderness.
Tenor[It.]:Oneofthefourstandardvoiceranges,
belowAltoandaboveBass(soprano,alto,tenor,
bass).
Tenuto[It.]:Keep,hold,grip;sustainwithout
detachment.
Ternary[Lat.]:Consistingofthreeparts;inmusic,a
formconsistingofthreeparts:ABA.
Tessitura[It.]:Generallyusedtoidentifythemost
commonrangewithinapieceofmusic.
Thme[Fr.]:Theme,motive.
Thetic[Lat.]:Describesaphrasebeginnningonthe
downbeatofthefirstmeasure.
TillEulenspiegelslustigeStreiche[Ger.]:Till
EulenspiegelsMerryPranks;majororchestral
work(tonepoem)byRichardStrauss.
Timbre[Lat.]:Thequalityofamusicaltonethat
distinguishesvoices,instrumentsandindividual
performers.
Tirando[It.]:Pull,stretch,drag.
page14
TodundVerklrung[Ger.]:Deathand
Transfiguration;majororcheatralwork(tone
poem)byRichardStrauss.
Tonfarbe[Ger.]:Tonecolor,timbre.
Tosto[It.]:Quickly,immediately.
Tpt.:Abbreviationfortrumpet.
Traner[Fr.]:Todrag.
Traner[Fr.]:Lounge,mope,dragalong.
Tranquillo[It.]:Quiet,peaceful.
Trascinando[It.]:Dragging.
Trascinare[It.]:Todrag.
Trattenuto[It.]:Drawnout,retained,heldback.
Tratto[It.]:Drawout.
Trauermarsch[Ger.]:Funeralmarch.
Trauermusik[Ger.]:Funeralmusic.
Trauernd[Ger.]:Mournful,lamenting.
Traurig[Ger.]:Sad.
Travailler[Fr.]:Work,workon,practice.
Treibend[Ger.]:Driving.
Trs[Fr.]:Very.
Tripletongue[En.]:Useoftwoconsonantsinfast
articulationoftripletsonbrassinstrumentsand
somewoodwinds;twopatternsmaybeused:
tahtahkah(mostcommon)andtahkahtah
(alsoknownasutilityorfanfaretongue).
Triste[It.]:Sad,dolorous.
Tromba[It.]:Trumpet.
Trombn[Sp.]:Trombone.
Trompeta[Sp.]:Trumpet.
Trompete[Ger.]:Trumpet.
Trompette[Fr.]:Trumpet.
Tronca[It.]:Cutoff.
Trop[Fr.]:Toomuch.
Trpt.:Abbreviationfortrumpet.
Tuba[Lat.]:InancientRome,along,straightnatural
trumpet,usedformilitarypurposes.
Tutti[It.]:All;allplayerstogether.
ber[Ger.]:Over,above,super.
bung[Ger.]:Study.
Un[It.]:One,a,an.
Unpeu[Fr.]:Alittle.
Unpoco[It.]:Alittle.
Unbetont[Ger.]:Unstressed,notaccented.
Une[Fr.]:One,a,an.
Ungebunden[Ger.]:Unbound,freely,unrestrained.
Ungeduldig[Ger.]:Impatient.
Ungestm[Ger.]:Impetuous,impulsive.
Ungezwungen[Ger.]:Unconstrained,freely.
Unheimlich[Ger.]:Uncanny,uneasy.
Unis.[En.]:Abbreviationforunison;samepitch.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms
Unison[En.]:Samepitch.
Unisono[It.]:Samepitch.
Uniti[It.]:United,joined.
Unmerklich[Ger.]:Imperceptible.
Unruhig[Ger.]:Restless.
Unter[Ger.]:Below,under.
Urtext[Ger.]:Denotesatextpresumedtobeinthe
originalstate,withoutanyeditionsofanykind.
Utsupra[Lat.]:Asabove,asbefore.
Utilitytongue[En.]:(Fanfaretongue)Tripletongue
usingtahkahtahpattern;saidtoprovidemore
evenandpreciserhythm.
V.S.[It.]:Abbreviationforvoltisubito;turnquickly.
V.S.[It.]:AbbreviationforVoltisubito.
Valse[Fr.]:Waltz;dancein3/4time,originatingin
Vienna,Austria.
Valse[Sp.]:Dancein3/4time,originatinginVienna,
Austria.
Valzer[It.]:Dancein3/4time,originatinginVienna,
Austria.
Varnderungen[Ger.]:Variations.
Veloce[It.]:Quick,swift.
Velocemente[It.]:Quick,swift.
Velocissimo[It.]:Asquicklyaspossible.
Vent[Fr.]:Windinstrument.
Verhallend[Ger.]:Dyingorfadingaway.
Verlag[Ger.]:Publishinghouse.
Verlschend[Ger.]:Extinguishing,dyingaway.
Vermindert[Ger.]:Diminishes.
Verschwindend[Ger.]:Disappearing.
Verstrken[Ger.]:Reinforce,strengthen.
Via[It.]:Away.
Vibrant[Fr.]:Vibrating.
Vibrato[It.]:Pulsate,resonate;afluctuationinpitch
usedtoenlivenandenrichthesound.
Vif[Fr.]:Lively,brisk.
Vif[Fr.]:Lively,brisk.
Vingt[Fr.]:Twenty.
Virtuosit[Fr.]:Virtuosity.
Vite[Fr.]:Fast.
Vitement[Fr.]:Fast.
Vittorioso[It.]:Victoriously.
Vivace[It.]:Lively,brisk.
Vivacissimo[It.]:Verylivelyandbrisk.
Vivamente[It.]:Lively,brisk.
Vivement[Fr.]:Lively,brisk.
Vivo[It.]:Lively,brisk.
Voce[It.]:Voice,part.
Voil[Fr.]:Veiled.
Volante[It.]:Flying,gliding.
Voll[Ger.]:Fullof,filledwith.
page15
Volont[Fr.]:Flying,gliding.
Volta[It.]:Time.
Volti[It.]:Page.
Voltisubito[It.]:Turnquickly.
Vorbereiten[Ger.]:Prepare.
Vorher[Ger.]:Previously.
Vorspiel[Ger.]:Prelude,overture.
Vortrag[Ger.]:Presentation,interpretation.
Vorwrts[Ger.]:Forward,continue.
Vorwrtsdrngend[Ger.]:Becomingfaster;faster.
Wachsend[Ger.]:Growing.
Waltz[En.]:Dancein3/4time,originatingin
Vienna,Austria.
Walzer[Ger.]:Dancein3/4time,originatingin
Vienna,Austria.
Wrme[Ger.]:Warm.
Wechsel[Ger.]:Change(asinchangeoftuningor
changeofinstrument).
Wehmtig[Ger.]:Melancholy.
Weich[Ger.]:Soft,delicate.
Weinachtsoratorium[Ger.]:ChristmasOratorio;
majorwork(oratorio)fororchestra,chorusand
soloistsbyJohannSebastianBach.
Wenig[Ger.]:Few,little.
Weniger[Ger.]:Fewer,less.
Wie[Ger.]:As,like.
Wolno[Pol.]:Loose,slowly.
Wuchtig[Ger.]:Mighty,vigorous.
Wrdig[Ger.]:Worthy,dignified.
Wtend[Ger.]:Furiously.
Zhlzeit[Ger.]:Beat;meaure;meter.
Zart[Ger.]:Tender,delicate,delicately.
Zartheit[Ger.]:Tenderness,delicateness.
Zrtlich[Ger.]:Tenderness,delicateness.
Zarckhalten[Ger.]:Slowingdown.
Zsur[Ger.]:Pause.
Zelo[It.]:Zeal,zealous,zealously.
Zelosamente[It.]:Zeal,zealous,zealously.
Zeloso[It.]:Zeal,zealous,zealously.
Ziehen[Ger.]:Drawnout,retained,heldback.
Ziemlich[Ger.]:Fairly,quite,rather.
Zitternd[Ger.]:Trembling,referstotremolos.
Zgern[Ger.]:Doubtful,hesitating.
Zu[Ger.]:Totoward.
Zuerst[Ger.]:First.
Zunge[Ger.]:Tongue.
GlossaryofMusicalTerms PitchNames AppendixA

BelowisatableshowingthepitchnamingsystemsinEnglish,French,German,ItalianandSpanish.Afterthat
areshowncodificationsinthoselanguagesforsharps,flats,doublesharps,doubleflatsandnaturals.

PitchNames

English C D E F G A B
German C D E** F G A** H*
French ut r mi fa sol la si
Italian do re mi fa sol la si
Spanish do re mi fa sol la si

*IntheGermansystem,HcorrespondswithBnatural,whileBflatisshownasBs.
**IntheGermansystem,EflatisshownasEsandAflatisshownasAs.

SharpsandFlats
(usingCastheexample)

MusicNotation

English Csharp Cflat

German Cis Ces
French utdise utbmol
Italian dodiesis dobemolle
Spanish dosostenido dobemol

DoublesharpsandDoubleflats
(usingCastheexample)

MusicNotation X

English Cdoublesharp Cdoubleflat

German Cisis Ceses
French utdoubledise utdoublebmol
Italian dodoppiodiesis dodoppiobemolle
Spanish dodoblesostenido dodoblebemol

Naturals

MusicNotation

English natural
German bcarre
French auflsungszeichen/quadrat
Italian bequadro
Spanish becuadro
GlossaryofMusicalTerms Clef AppendixB

Clefsareplacedattheleftsideofamusicalstafftoestablishareferencepointfor
thepositionofaparticularpitch.Atleftarethefourprimaryclefs.TheGclef
showsthelocationoftheGastheonlystaffpositionwhichiscrossedthreetimes
(notethespiralfigureinthemiddle).TheCclefbracketsthepositionofMiddle
C (directly in the middle of the figure). The F clef locates the F between two
points. The neutral clef, or percussion clef, indicates no definite pitch and is
used for percussion or otherwise indefinitepitched purposes. To the
right are the five most commonlyseen clefs in modern common
practice music. The treble clef is, far and away, the most often used,
followed closely by the bass clef. The alto and tenor clefs are less
common, mostly used in writing for viola, cello, bassoon and
trombone.Theneutralclef,aspreviouslymentioned,usuallyisfound
onlyinpercussionparts.

Gclef
(middleCisindicatedineachexample)

(a)sopranotrebleclef;(b)Frenchviolinclef;(c)trebleclef(common);(d)tenortrebleclef(relativelycommon)

Cclef
(middleCisindicatedineachexample)

(a)sopranoclef,descantclef;(b)mezzosopranoclef;(c)altoclef(common);(d)tenorclef(common);(e)baritoneclef

Fclef
(middleCisindicatedineachexample)

(a)baritoneclef;(b)bassclef(common);(c)subbassclef;(d)contrabassclef